Rear view camera. Is there a difference?

[kevinkatz]

Looking at rear view cameras and really confused. Do you “get what you pay for”? Is there a difference between the $150 and $500 models?

[SeaLevel]

Originally Posted by kevinkatz

Looking at rear view cameras and really confused. Do you “get what you pay for”? Is there a difference between the $150 and $500 models?

Probably. Resolution plays a part too. From my experience, there's also a difference between wireless and wired cameras.

[GeeSag]

I have the RearViewSafety 7 inch monitor and wireless camera.

What makes the 7 inch monitor important:
I have the Monitor as far to the right as possible on the dash.
So it is effectively next to the right side rearview mirror.
In some aspects, it acts as a second mirror on the right side.
It acts as a good verification as to when truly clear of a passed vehicle.
The 7 inch helps since it so far away from the driver.

I do have a problem with RF interference.
I have the TST TPMS and the Ford truck came with tire pressure monitors.
The RearViewSafety monitor causes interference with one of the truck's built in pressure sensors. I get a lost communication error message on the dash.
I turn off the Monitor, wait a while, and error goes away. Then I can turn the monitor back on and it will be a while, (maybe hours) before the trucks alarm raises again.

I did add the TST TPMS RF repeater and that does seem to help.

So far very pleased with the RearViewSafety system.

One huge benefit is at gas stations. Sometimes needing to back up just a few feet after filling with fuel, and being certain that no one has pulled in behind me and blinded by both normal mirrors. Worth every penny in those situations.

For whatever it is worth: I did add the rear camera with no holes in the trailer.
I mounted it inside above the rear dinette table and looking through the rear window. I am all about not drilling holes when possible. Plus 12 volt power was right there below the dinette from the sub-woofer.

Hopefully that helps your search.

[GeeSag]

Here are a couple of shots of the Rear View Camera looking out the back window.

I got a piece of plexiglass and cut to the size of the camera.
Cut 1/8" grooves in the plexiglass.
Pressed Screen into 1/8" grooves around camera to create a clear view out back of window without screen. (Total Failure: Camera position is too far back and pushed plexiglass away from screen)
Ended up just abandoning the plexiglass idea.


Added small switch to power off sub-woofer 12v supply.
Simple turn on switch for travel.

(1) Required no holes drilled in Airstream
(2) Does not require Running Lights. I like the auto feature for headlights.
(3) Simple restore to factory original by replacing screen.

Just an alternate way of mounting rear view camera.

[Daquenzer]

I have the Voyager which came with the Camper. Does a good job during the day. The only thing I wish it had is night vision. Most of the time I drive during the day, but the times I have driven at night it would be nice to have better rear vision when driving on freeways.

I also set the camera up almost like a rear view mirror. I think along with towing mirrors a rear view camera is a must safety feature. I wouldn’t skimp on it.

[SteveS52]

Thank you. We are taking our AS out of storage March 12th and will start on the camera project. I like the idea of placing in the back window. I will check out wiring, our bed is in the back and I’m sure we can make it happen.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by SteveS52

Thank you. We are taking our AS out of storage March 12th and will start on the camera project. I like the idea of placing in the back window. I will check out wiring, our bed is in the back and I’m sure we can make it happen.

Here's how I did my camera.
It's a combination of RAM parts and a bracket from an ultralight. (go figure) I used a threaded insert into the dead center of the rear cabinet, then a 1/4 x 20 screw on the arm. Nothing shows in the cabinet.
I love the concept. It works. My camera is a Garmin BC-30 which is bluetooth to the GPS. The transmitter just lays on the bed. Although I currently get power from a USB, via an USB > cigar lighter plug, I plan to change the rear USB straight to a cigar lighter.
The plan is great, in real life the BC-30's resolution leaves something to be desired. If I upgrade cameras, I'll still keep the mount.


I originally thought if I pressed the camera against the screen it would not show the screen but the camera is so wide angle that I had to cut an opening in the screen.
When selecting a camera wide angle has plusses and minuses. With my wide angle I can see behind me and still see the bumper for backing. The downside is vehicles start as a speck and zoom up as they pass you. Most cameras with a lesser angle avoid that perspective, but can't see the bumper and traffic in one image.
Two cameras?